Skin tumours: morpheaform basal cell carcinoma: practice question

A Dermatology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Dermatology · Skin tumours: morpheaform basal cell carcinoma

Sample item

A waxy, ivory-coloured, scar-like plaque with ill-defined margins on the nose of an older man recurs after simple excision. Which technique gives the lowest recurrence?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Mohs micrographic surgery

Morpheaform (sclerosing) basal cell carcinoma has subclinical extension that makes margins hard to judge, with high recurrence after standard excision. Mohs micrographic surgery gives the lowest recurrence for such high-risk facial tumours. Destructive methods are unsuitable.

Option by option

  • A. Topical imiquimod

    Imiquimod is for superficial BCC.

  • B. Curettage and cautery

    Curettage and cautery is unsuitable for sclerosing tumours.

  • C. Mohs micrographic surgery (correct)

    Correct. Mohs surgery is preferred for morpheaform BCC on the face.

  • D. Cryotherapy

    Cryotherapy has high recurrence for this subtype.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Dermatology questions

Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is C, Mohs micrographic surgery. Morpheaform (sclerosing) basal cell carcinoma has subclinical extension that makes margins hard to judge, with high recurrence after standard excision.

Why is "Topical imiquimod" not the answer?

Imiquimod is for superficial BCC.

Why is "Curettage and cautery" not the answer?

Curettage and cautery is unsuitable for sclerosing tumours.

Why is "Cryotherapy" not the answer?

Cryotherapy has high recurrence for this subtype.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Skin tumours: morpheaform basal cell carcinoma in Dermatology. Mohs micrographic surgery gives the lowest recurrence for such high-risk facial tumours. Destructive methods are unsuitable.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Skin tumours: morpheaform basal cell carcinoma?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.